Nigeria 2019: Ex-PDP chairman declares presidential ambition

A former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi, says he will contest for Nigeria’s presidency in 2019.

Mr Makarfi, immediate past national caretaker committee chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), made the disclosure in an interview with journalists in Kaduna on Sunday.

According to him, he consulted widely before arriving at the decision though he had not received endorsement from party members.

Mr Makarfi said the consultation gave him an opportunity to feel the pulse of Nigerians.

“The consultations have been quite positive and I believe it is fair enough to come to the conclusion that one should join other equally capable party men and women who have shown interest in seeking the party’s nomination for the 2019 presidential election.

“At this stage, it is to seek for the party’s nomination. The successful nominees will become the candidates that will stand for the election.

“But first thing first. If one’s party does not put him forward, you can’t say you are contesting for presidency yet. At this stage, I have come to the conclusion that it is okay, based on the consultations that I have had,” he said.

The ex-governor said he has what it takes to govern Nigeria, after successfully governing “a complex state like Kaduna for eight years”.